Hamas Says It Discussed Freeing 70 Hostages in Exchange for Five-Day Truce

Hamas’s armed wing said Monday that it discussed with Qatari mediators a deal to free up to 70 Israeli hostages in exchange for a five-day ceasefire and the release of some Palestinian prisoners.

“Last week there was an effort from the Qatari brothers to release the enemy captives from women and children, in return for the release of 200 Palestinian children and 75 women detained by the enemy,” said Abu Ubaida, spokesman for al-Qassam Brigades, according to Reuters.

“The truce should include a complete ceasefire and allow aid and humanitarian relief everywhere in the Gaza Strip,” Ubaida said. He added that Israel was “procrastinating and evading” the price of the deal.